How much do LFS stores make?

[dattack]

I have someone I know that owns a small petstore, mostly freshwater stuff and some saltwater stuff.

His petstore kind of small and his livestock isn't the best. Moreso, his location isn't the best location either but it's cheap monthly rent.

However, I was kind of shock that he says that he makes over $200000 a year. It seems kind of odd considering he doesn't even want spend a $400 on a couple of MH's for his prop tank. There is no corals in there right now but he has waited about 2 months so far to invest in some lights. It seems kind of odd though.

[schrocat]

Perhaps he meant he takes in 200k before expenses.

[SPasse]

Hi All,

I was considering starting a Reef Store myself, on several occasions.

As part of this “discovery” process, I was able to look at the books of some possible candidates.

What I saw was pretty discouraging. I am not saying that it is impossible to make “good” money by owning a LFS, but I am betting that the majority of these stores are fairly “marginal” propositions.

Regards,

Scott

[SomeHairyOldGuy]

I would think the money would be in leasing and maintenance along with running a store.

Hope everyone is doing great!

SHOG

[dattack]

Originally posted by schrocat
Perhaps he meant he takes in 200k before expenses.

I think you are right. Looks like pretty tough business these days.

[SPasse]

SHOG,

“I would think the money would be in leasing and maintenance along with running a store.”

Yes, there is money to be made in this end of the business.

I know of one store in the Denver area where the storefront is mainly just a “tool” to increase the maintenance part of the operation.

Purchase, Setup & Maintenance of “trophy” tanks in “trophy” houses is where the money is but I could never make peace with the concept of “living furniture”

Regards,

Scott